Boston, MA — Harvard School of Public Health announced today that Sir Elton John will receive the Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative Leadership Award on October 15. The award is presented to individuals who have exhibited extraordinary vision, leadership, and courage in the worldwide struggle against AIDS. Past recipients include tennis legend Arthur Ashe, Diana, Princess of Wales, President Festus Mogae of Botswana, and President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.

Since the creation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) in 1992, John has spoken out against stigma, advocating for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, especially those on the margins of society. Together with its sister organization in the U.K., EJAF has raised more than $300 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.

John will receive the award at the EJAF fall gala, “An Enduring Vision: A Benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation,” on October 15 in New York City.

The Harvard School of Public Health AIDS Initiative (HAI) is dedicated to research and education to end the AIDS epidemic in Africa and developing countries. For over two decades, HAI has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS laboratory research, clinical trials, education and leadership.

Harvard School of Public Health brings together dedicated experts from many disciplines to educate new generations of global health leaders and produce powerful ideas that improve the lives and health of people everywhere. As a community of leading scientists, educators, and students, we work together to take innovative ideas from the laboratory and the classroom to people’s lives—not only making scientific breakthroughs, but also working to change individual behaviors, public policies, and health care practices. Each year, more than 400 faculty members at HSPH teach 1,000-plus full-time students from around the world and train thousands more through online and executive education courses. Founded in 1913 as the Harvard-MIT School of Health Officers, the School is recognized as the oldest professional training program in public health. For more information, visit www.hsph.harvard.edu.